Anugrah Abraham's family claimed his death on 3 March was caused by bullying and racism he faced while doing a placement with West Yorkshire Police (WYP) as part of his degree at Leeds
Trinity University. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) initially recommended WYP investigate the matter itself. But, following calls from Abraham's family, the IOPC announced yesterday it had reconsidered its decision and will now conduct an independent investigation.
The 21-year-old's mother, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "I gave my baby up to a service that ultimately didn't cherish value or nurture him - but killed him." Speaking to The Independent, his aunt Rita Alfred-Saggar, from Manchester, said the "close-knit" family has "all been destroyed. "How [does the] family move on from this?" she asked. "This is a case of someone being bullied to death. The police, they have blood on their hands. We want some answers as to why this is all allowed to go on and who is going to be held responsible."
Abraham's family said they are "relieved" about the reversal of the watchdog's decision and are expecting a "fearless and thorough investigation to be completed as soon as possible", with the family at its heart. Ms Alfred-Saggar said she wanted to highlight how there is an "endemic culture of bullying, brutalism, racism, homophobia, sexism within the police which is not just limited to the Met".
This story is from the April 01, 2023 edition of The Independent.
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This story is from the April 01, 2023 edition of The Independent.
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